Organizers of The Hotel Investment Networking Conference (THINC) today released its final agenda for the inaugural event to be held at the Hilton Chicago, May 15-16, 2014.

Co-hosted by DePaul University School of Hospitality Leadership and Lodging Unlimited, the hospitality consulting company, the updated speaker list includes a virtual “who’s who” of hospitality industry elite. Of particular note, Marcus & Millichap Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy OfficerHessam Nadji has been named the conference’s keynote speaker.

“It is extremely gratifying to have been able to compile these exceptional speakers and panelists, 100 percent of which are presidents, CEOs, owners, investors and senior executives, for our very first THINC event,” said Morris Lasky, co-chair and co-founder. “We have representatives from Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Starwood Capital Group, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, La Quinta Inns & Suites, Hostmark Hospitality Group and the Marcus Corporation, amongst others. We have purposefully put together a centralized event that immediately precedes the National Restaurant Show at Chicago’s McCormick Place, should attendees like to stay for both events.”

“Furthermore, attendees have the opportunity to meet with these top level executives throughout the two-day event in a series of formal and informal networking events.”

Lasky noted that DePaul’s School of Hospitality Leadership, which was formed just five years ago, already has earned a reputation as an important educational resource and is graduating more than 50 students a year who are finding good leadership positions within the industry. In addition to providing student support, The School of Hospitality Leadership will benefit from the proceeds of the conference.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network also is working with conference to raise awareness and funds to combat the disease.

Cost for the two-day event is $895, which includes three general session power panels, speed networking, interactive THINC tanks, two cocktail parties and multiple networking and food events. Additional information and electronic registration are available at www.thinc-conference.com, and the conference electronic brochure can be viewed at THINC Brochure.